I-45 has some great restaurants you might drive right past. Here are our favorites.
Best Restaurants along I-45
Here are our favorite spots to dine if you find yourself on I-45. If you’ve got friends coming up to meet you from Houston; they probably won’t get lost.
First published June 2020. Last updated June 2020.
Notable craft BBQ in a cozy backyard spot near the Woodlands
3rd Coast BBQ & Catering
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best BBQThere’s a new rising star on the north side craft BBQ scene, and their name is 3rd Coast BBQ. Pitmaster Troy Mulligan is a Houston native, and has mastered his art after driving around Texas and sampling ‘Q from dozens of the state’s top pits. His dedication and research is paying dividends: The centerpiece is superb brisket; remarkably moist, beautifully rendered, and with a cravable bark created by his top secret rub.
Other proteins aren’t shortchanged; the pork ribs are savory masterpieces, with a plucky texture and effortless pull from the bone. Sausage should’t be overlooked; Troy makes an outstanding boudin, with perhaps the best meat/rice balance that we’ve come across. For those eating lighter, turkey is beautifully smoky and tender. Attention to detail shows in the sides (all made in-house, don’t miss the gently spicy street corn or the excellent buns and breads (all Slow Dough, the local baking wizards.) Open Thursday through Sunday, and they’re typically sold out by 4pm.
$$ | BBQ
Family-Run Small Business and Outdoor Dining
25219 Oakhurst Dr | Spring 77386
713-545-0718 |
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Reliable Italian food in a family-friendly setting
Adriatic Cafe
Adriatic Cafe has brought their good quality, affordable Italian cuisine to the Woodlands area with their new location in Shenandoah. Guests will discover a spotless, expansive dining area, a secluded bar, and a slate of well-prepared southern Italian specialties that offer a good meal at a reasonable price. We’re fan of this family’s approach; it’s the kind of Italian food that many Texans grew up eating. If you’re dining with kids, this is a great option.
$$ | Italian
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
17825 I-45, Shenandoah | Shnendoah 77385
936-319-3300 |
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Quality Tex-Mex and outstanding margaritas
Casa Medina
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥈 Recommended MexicanSolid Tex-Mex entrees and big margaritas are the main attraction at this family-owned Tex-Mex spot. Owner Adan Medina and his family differentiate their place with delicious flavored margaritas; we’re partial to the Avocado Margarita, which is smooth and delicious. Service is prompt and professional in both the big dining room and the cozy bar.
$$ | Mexican
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, and Happy Hour
28777 I-45 | Spring 77381
281-298-9866 |
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Well priced Tex-Mex in a funky setting
Chuy’s
The Woodlands outpost of this Austin original has been satisfying local guests with well priced Tex-Mex (with a New Mexican accent) favorites. We’re big fans of the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo, with beef, chicken, and cheese enchiladas, a taco, and all the accoutrements. Popular happy hour, funky environment.
$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Outdoor Dining
18035 I-45 S | Shenandoah 77385
936-321-4440 |
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| Order Online
Gourmet cinnamon rolls with hundreds of options
Cinnaholic
The Woodlands area has a fun new spot for sweet treats and desserts. Cinnaholic bakes fresh cinnamon rolls, then cranks them up to 11 with your choice of frostings, toppings, fresh fruits, and nuts. There are hundreds of possible combinations, but fortunately the clever staff has a selection of predefined choices that are enticing and delicious. Catering for business and group events. The shop is bright, clean, and inviting, and the staff is smiling; you would be too if you were surrounded by cinnamon rolls all day.
$ | Sweets
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Good Desserts, Good for Kids, and On the Radar
27630 Interstate 45 N | Oak Ridge North 77385
281-719-5327 |
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Elevated Vietnamese Cuisine
EAD Vietnamese Restaurant
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best Asian🥇 Best Vietnamese
This hidden gem is an offshoot of Huynh, one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Houston, so we were excited to hear of its opening. Upon visiting, our high expectations were exceeded.
Soups are superb; the pho is rich and flavorful, and the chicken wonton is light years ahead of what you’ll find at a typical Chinese spot. But don’t miss the plated entrees; they are created with an eye to bold flavors and careful attention to detail.
The space is large, bright, and airy, with a sleek modern design. It’s quickly become our preferred Vietnamese destination in the Woodlands area.
$$ | Vietnamese
Good for Vegetarians
17947 Interstate 45 S | Shenandoah 77385
281-651-2208 |
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| Order Online
Well executed Latin American cuisine in an expansive, modern setting
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.
Gloria’s is a successful Latin food group based in the DFW area. For over 30 years they’ve been feeding hungry Texans, and they’ve grown to over 20 locations. Their cuisine is an amalgamation of dishes from all over Latin America, from South America to South Texas. Those craving Tex-Mex will find several options, and those with more adventurous palates will find dishes from south of Mexico.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$ and $$$ | Latin American
Brunch, Catering, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Happy Hour, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
18484 I-45 | Shenandoah 77384
936-267-3955 |
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Family favorite for upscale Tex-Mex
Guadalajara Hacienda
The Woodlands has no shortage of Mexican food, but Guadalajara Hacienda has been an area favorite for decades, thanks to its great service and a dependable kitchen. Seafood dishes stand out; the seafood enchiladas are unusual and lush. Ceviche is another standout, and looking around the dining room, you’ll see no shortage of the well-crafted margaritas. Stylish, upscale setting, ample parking.
$$ and $$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Dining, and Upscale
27885 I-45 | The Woodlands 77380
281-362-0774 |
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Steaks and Italian in a surprisingly fashionable hideaway
Johnny’s Italian Steak House
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥈 Recommended Italian🥈 Recommended Steak
We never expected to find good food in a hotel off Research east of I-45. So we were pleasantly surprised by Johnny’s Italian Steak House, a mid-priced steakhouse that also features some very good Italian dishes. We’re particularly fond of their happy hour offerings – well priced appetizers perfect for sharing.
Johnny’s kitchen does an outstanding job turning out steaks that won’t break the budget; the result is a wonderfully upscale meal without the upscale prices.
Service is attentive without being intrusive and the room is beautiful and cozy, making it perfect for a getaway with that special someone. Johnny’s demonstrates that you don’t have to pay a lot to enjoy a quality steak in a beautiful setting.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$ and $$$ | Italian and Steaks
Catering, Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2021, HRW2022, HRW2023, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale
19333 David Memorial Dr. | Shenandoah 77385
(Inside the Crown Plaza Shenandoah)
346-331-2060 |
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| Review
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Vegetarian Indian Spot on Rayford Road
Khau Gully
Khau Gully brings Indian street food to Rayford Road. Prices are reasonable, and the food is vegetarian. The kitchen is obviously experienced in Indian food; dishes like the Samosa Chaat were beautifully balanced and full of flavor.
In their words: “Khau” translates to “eat,” and “Gully” translates to “street.” In Mumbai, it’s a place where people gather from far and wide, crowd around vessels brimming with spicy stews and crispy dosas, and laugh over good food and good company. The street is buzzing with excitement, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here at Khau Gully Spring.”
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$ | Indian
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and On the Radar
25188 I-45, Suite AIA | Spring 77386
281-362-5014 |
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Traditional steak house overlooking a small lake near the mall
Kirby’s Steakhouse
Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse has been serving the Woodlands since 2004. They feature Mid-Western, grain fed, aged prime beef. Kirby’s also offers fresh seafood, daily specials, and a collection of New and Old World wine housed in an cellar of over 4,000 bottles. Kirby’s boasts a trendy jazz bar and lounge featuring happy hour nightly.
$$$ and $$$$ | American (Traditional) and Steaks
Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2022, HRW2023, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, Scenic View, and Upscale
1111 Timberloch Pl | The Woodlands 77830
281-362-1121 |
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Authentic Local Ramen Bar
Koji Ramen Bar
Ramen lovers rejoice – The Woodlands now has a legitimate spot to relax with a soulful bowl of ramen. The talented chef hails from Japan, as does the savvy manager, and they bring their expertise in this surprisingly intricate cuisine to The Woodlands area.
The tightly edited menu features several varieties of ramen; we recommend starting with the traditional tonkatsu and working your way through the well curated options. Service is friendly and professional, and the small room is beautifully adorned with custom artwork commissioned locally by the owners.
$$ | Japanese
25403 Interstate 45 | Spring 77380
832-823-5187 |
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| Order Online
Great Tacos and Mexican dishes from a hidden gem
La Cocina de Roberto
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best Tacos🥈 Recommended Mexican
A hidden gem at the far west end of Sawdust (and now with a second location on I-45 just south of Woodlands Parkway), La Cocina de Roberto began as a cozy little taqueria, serving the Timber Ridge neighborhood. But the savvy owners have added more full-fledged entrees to the menu, making it one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the Woodlands. Tacos are still delicious: Carne asada and camerĂłn are the standouts. Don’t miss the bargain faijta / shrimp combo, or the excellent chicken enchiladas.
Alcohol is BYOB – bring your own liquor, and Roberto will provide setups. You can’t beat a bargain margarita made with premium tequila.
$ and $$ | Mexican and Tacos
Catering and Family-Run Small Business
26817 Interstate 45 N | The Woodlands 77380
832-813-8030 |
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Affordable Tex-Mex from a local chain
Mama Juanita’s
Mama Juanita’s is a Conroe-based chain of Tex-Mex restaurants that offers some of the best values in town. From the wide variety of enchiladas to the plentiful seafood options to the traditional combo plates, there’s something here to please anyone. Happy hour offers great drink specials; service is friendly. The space is simply decorated and clean, and filled with patrons enjoying the very good food with family and friends.
$ and $$ | Mexican
Happy Hour
8000 Hwy 242 #110 | The Woodlands 77385
(just east of I-45)
936-273-3220 |
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Small family-run seafood spot that evokes a Mexican coastal resort
Nahui Seafood
🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best Seafood🥈 Recommended Mexican
Nahui Seafood is a hidden gem tucked away in a nondescript center along I-45. Stepping inside transports the guest to a beachside restaurant along the Mexican coast; the vibe is relaxing and laid back, and the staff treats guests with the kind of hospitality you only find south of the border.
The food is full of pleasant surprises. Your meal starts with housemade chips and fresh fish ceviche, a very generous complimentary start. Then you choose from a wide variety of seafood dishes, both cooked and citrus cured. We were particularly impressed with the ceviches, which were fresh and refreshing, and the superb shrimp dishes, like the excellent friend Rock Shrimp and the marinated and grilled Zarandeados Shrimp. Service is attentive and professional.
$$ and $$$ | Mexican and Seafood
Family-Run Small Business, Good Desserts, and On the Radar
25602 I-45 Unit 112A | Spring 77386
346-634-1138 |
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